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A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. . . 

After nearly five years of publication, we have a potpourri of leftover articles, that for no other reason than our dedication to thematic cohesion we’ve not previously included in our online magazine. But the dilemma. . . just what is this month’s theme? 

With the holidays just past, “leftovers” seemed be an apt description: “a remnant or an unused portion.”  But the less-than-appealing connotation, unwanted bit of scraps, left a few of us on staff questioning the appropriateness of the theme. “Potpourri,” (“a miscellaneous anthology or collection”) has a more pleasant ring.  

Still, if these articles are odds and ends, are we dressing up mutton as lamb? Certainly not! 

This month, our tour hosts and their articles are wonderful examples of the variety of companies that Cultural Travels features: luxury cruises, art workshops, tented safaris, cultural immersion, educational opportunities and culinary delicacies are just a few of the treats that we serve up to our curious travelers. 

We hope you will explore the almost unlimited possibilities that a leisurely browse through our archives or a virtual stroll through the Cultural Travels databases will provide. Exploration enlightens and educates all involved leading to the ultimate discovery — that we have more to gain by understanding and working together than can ever be achieved by any of us alone. With a new year’s worth of possibilities ahead of us, we have yet another chance to reach across cultural, economic and religious gaps to change the world around us. 

Thanks to all who make this publication possible: the tour hosts and authors, the CT staff and most importantly those of you who keep coming back. Without any of the three, we’d not be here today.  

All of us at Cultural Travels wish you a fabulous New Year and hope 2005 has your taking the trip of your dreams. 

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Name: Intrepid Travel
Location: Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East
Specialty: Culturally interactive soft adventure trips
Why We Like Them: A fantastic selection of over 300 trips, a high level of social consciousness and a determination to show travelers an up-close and personal view of a country and its people make Intrepid Travel a great choice for any curious traveler. The company’s web site is one the best I have seen for detailed trip information, and it has a great system for coding both the “culture shock” and “physical rating” of its various trips. 
Article: Dubrovnik – Hidden Gem of the Adriatic

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Name: Cruceros Australis
Location: Patagonia
Specialty: Expedition cruises in the Magellan Straits and Beagle Channel
Why We Like Them: Providing a great way to “round the horn” in comfort and style, the company’s two ships offer three and four-night journeys to explore the wild and beautiful southernmost tip of the world. Visit the magnificent glaciers, forests and natural wonders that make this remote region a spectacular adventure. 
Article: Torres del Paine National Park

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Name: Tuscany Institute
Location: Italy
Specialty: Imaginative learning experiences in the Tuscan countryside
Why We Like Them: Overlooking 1,000 acres of olives and wheat fields deep in the heart of Tuscany, the institute’s courses are varied and in-depth, perfectly suited to explore and encourage the creative impulse. Silk painting, fabric art and an oil painting workshop utilizing the magnificent countryside as inspiration provide a unique opportunity to introduce visitors to the art, historic and natural treasures of Tuscany.
Article: Moving To Tuscany

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Name: Kalahari Kavango Safari Co.
Location: Maun Botswana, Africa
Specialty:  Classic photographic safaris
Why We Like Them: A fantastic monthly e-mail offers prospective travelers a great inside view of life in Botswana from the relaxing fixed camp of Meno A Kwena. Mini meru walk-in tents allow  travelers to experience classic camp life – each tent comes ,complete with a private bucket shower and loo!  The camp’s host David Dugmore, has extensive guide experience (it seems to run in his blood), is an accomplished wildlife photographer and just recently completed his first wildlife documentary. His love of the area and the four-footed inhabitants is truly inspiring.
Article: An Elephant Mother’s Ultimate Dilemma

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Name: Danu Travel  Enterprises
Location: Bali, Greece, Venice
Specialty: Art, adventure and alternative tours
Why We Like Them: Art and cultural tours which integrate local people and customs make Danu’s trips unique. Company founder Judy Slattum has had Bali in her blood from her first trip in 1978 and has been leading trips to the island ever since. Focusing on the native arts of theater and mask making, and related theory and performance, she continues to write about the culture and art of her part-time home, while leading trips to introduce the country’s arts to others.
Article: The Flower Castle

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Name: New Zealand Pedaltours
Location: New Zealand
Specialty: Biking tours
Why We Like Them: Great natural beauty envelopes bicycle riders as they discover spectacular vistas around every corner.  A great way to explore the islands, and get close the nature and the locals, is by being in touch with the land – and there’s no better way to achieve that touch than with pedal power. With over 30 tours, including journeys in Australia and Vietnam, New Zealand Pedaltours is a great way to explore the Pacific and beyond.
Article: New Zealand Cycling Heaven